21-05-2025
Salem VFD: ‘Do not chase the firetrucks and ambulances to an emergency scene'
SALEM, (WBOY) — Volunteer firefighters in Harrison County are reminding residents that following emergency vehicles is against the law and costs first responder valuable time.
In a public service announcement on social media Tuesday, the Salem Volunteer Fire Department said that drivers chasing or following ambulances and firetrucks can cause delays and negatively impact emergency response.
'We need all the area we can get so that the apparatus can get to scene, work the scene safely and the ambulances can get in route to the hospital without any delays. Please follow the traffic patterns that may be in place and respect the boundaries set up for our safety and yours!' the department said.
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Although it seems like common sense not to get in the way of emergency vehicles, it's also a finable offense under the West Virginia Code. Under §17C-14-9, following a responding emergency vehicle at closer than 500 feet or blocking an emergency vehicle is a misdemeanor crime.
The penalty for following emergency vehicles is $100 fine on a first offense, $200 on a second offense, and up to $500 for a third offense.
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